Consider your state practice act related to NP practice as you reviewed it in the previous module and on the AANP map as well as your state’s nursing board. Write a 3-5-page paper about how the practice act for your state encourages or discourages quality and effective patient care for a patient with co-morbid conditions. Consider the below case.
A 35-year-old African-American male reports trouble with sleep for over 3 months. He has trouble both falling and staying asleep. He has increased his drinking habits at night to try and increase his sleepiness before bed. He states he is drinking 1-2 beers every night before bed. He also states he has a history of depression that was successfully treated with Prozac for 4 years. He has not been on medication for the last 24 months and states that his depression has been somewhere from a 1-2 on a 0-10 scale with 10 being the worst. He denies SI/HI, and A/VH. However, he does state an increase in anxiety when he does not sleep. He states he feels fidgety and out of it during the day. His vitals for today’s visit are:
T98.7
HR76
BP 146/84
R 18
Wt. 193
Ht 5’9”
BMI: 28
Your paper should include:
1. Title page (APA)
2. Introduction to your state NP practice
3. Discussion of how the NP practice laws in your state affect patient care
4. Specific case and how it is affected by your state’s practice act
5. Conclusion
6. Include at least 3 scholarly articles in addition to your textbooks.
7. Paper must be in APA format including, reference page, cover page, in-text citations, and overall paper format.
===>
Sample Answer Guide:
Title: The Impact of the NP Practice Act on Quality Patient Care in [Insert State]
Introduction:
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in providing quality and effective patient care in the United States. The scope of practice and regulations surrounding NP practice varies widely across states, impacting their ability to provide care to patients. In [Insert State], the NP practice act governs the practice of NPs and outlines the guidelines for providing care to patients. This paper will discuss the NP practice act in [Insert State] and how it affects patient care for a patient with co-morbid conditions, using a case scenario as an example.
NP Practice Act in [Insert State]:
The NP practice act in [Insert State] outlines the scope of practice for NPs, as well as the requirements for licensure and certification. The act defines the scope of practice for NPs as including the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions, as well as prescribing medications. In [Insert State], NPs are required to have a collaborative agreement with a physician, although the specifics of the agreement vary.
Impact on Patient Care:
The NP practice act in [Insert State] can have a significant impact on the quality of care provided to patients with co-morbid conditions. For example, the collaborative agreement requirement can impact the autonomy of NPs in providing care to patients, potentially delaying treatment or hindering the ability to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, restrictions on the scope of practice and prescribing authority can limit the ability of NPs to diagnose and manage complex cases, such as patients with co-morbid conditions.
Case Scenario:
The case scenario of a 35-year-old African-American male with a history of depression and sleep difficulties illustrates the potential impact of the NP practice act on patient care. The patient’s symptoms of sleep difficulties and increased anxiety are concerning and may indicate the need for a mental health Assessment and treatment. However, the restrictions on prescribing authority and the requirement for a collaborative agreement may limit the ability of NPs to effectively diagnose and treat the patient’s condition. This can result in delayed treatment, reduced quality of care, and potentially negative outcomes for the patient.
Conclusion:
The NP practice act in [Insert State] plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of care provided to patients with co-morbid conditions. While the act outlines the scope of practice and requirements for licensure and certification, it can also create barriers to providing comprehensive and effective care. It is essential to continue to evaluate and update the NP practice act in [Insert State] to ensure that it supports quality patient care for patients with complex medical needs.
References:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). State Practice Environment. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state-policy/state-practice-environment
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2021). NP Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/np-regulation.htm
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. Retrieved from https://www.nationalacademies.org/national-academies-press/9780309444497
